NIH-Funded Study Finds No Mental Health Benefit from Puberty Blockers in Youth
A nine-year, $10 million NIH study concluded that puberty blockers and hormone therapy did not improve mental-health outcomes for transgender children and adolescents.
A taxpayer-supported investigation, financed by a nine-year NIH grant of up to $10 million, examined the impact of puberty blockers and subsequent hormone therapy on transgender youth. Led by Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy, the observational study included children from age eight through sixteen for blockers and up to age twenty for hormones. Over a two-year period, participants’ mental-health metrics remained stable and suicidality declined, yet the scores stayed within a clinically non-significant range, offering no clear advantage over peers.
The report also flagged potential concerns regarding bone density, reproductive health, and final adult height. Opponents of gender-affirming care, such as Dr. Kurt Miceli of Do No Harm, argue the data undermine the narrative that these interventions are essential for mental-health improvement. Oversight Project director Neal Cornett called for caution in treating minors with these medications.
Why it matters
The study questions the mental-health benefits of puberty blockers, influencing medical guidelines and public policy on transgender youth care.
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